We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeline Guiles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeline, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success doesn’t necessarily need validation from other people. For me, success is when I’ve achieved goals I’ve set for myself. Whether they’re big or small goals, as long as I’ve achieved them, then I consider myself successful. These goals could be as simple as hitting a monthly sales goal or growing the business through networking. Those little successes add up and eventually you realize you’re running a successful business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got into polymer clay after having seen numerous reels and tik toks and thinking to myself “that looks so fun!” So I decided to purchase a starter kit and sure enough, it was as fun as the videos I watched. I was intrigued with all the techniques you could use with polymer clay. That’s what’s kept me interested in it all this time. Polymer clay is such an interesting medium and I just want to try everything I can with it. Sometimes things don’t work the way I want them to, but it’s such a great learning experience.

I decided to start making earrings at first, but I have since branched out into hair clips, necklaces, magnets, keychains, etc. I still make mostly earrings though. There’s just something about adorning ears and bringing attention to someone’s face that I just love.

When it came time to launch my brand, I knew I wanted my two daughters’ names as part of it. I mean, my husband and I put a lot of thought into their names, so why not create the business name/brand using them? Hence, Ava+Jean was born. I also knew I wanted things to look clean and simple so that the products could stand out and be the main attraction, so I went with a simple but modern logo and have kept most everything neutral or organic looking.

When I say I’ve grown my business from the ground up, it’s true. I put about $100 into at first, selling through Instagram and Facebook to mostly friends and family. And when I’d make a profit, it would go directly back into what I needed to make my jewelry better, building a website for easier purchasing, or buying tents/tables/display items I needed for selling at craft fairs. It hasn’t been easy figuring it all out, but I’ve made it work somehow. Having a few small business owner friends has been helpful as well. They’ve been great resources for answering any questions I might have.

It’s been a wonderful journey and I’m excited to see what other opportunities come along!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many cool and interesting places to visit in Dallas. I love strolling through the small downtown areas of each city, such as downtown Plano or downtown Wylie. They always have the cutest boutiques and some really great mom and pop restaurants. Another must see would be Klyde Warren Park and then a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art across the street. I love people watching and being outdoors, so Klyde Warren is always fun to go to.

Since I love climbing, any of the climbing gyms in the area would be on my list of things to do. Climbers are some of the nicest, most interesting people I’ve come across and the gym has such a friendly/supportive environment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband as always been my number one supporter in new endeavors. Without his support and encouragement, I would probably have given up numerous times already. He’s a web designer, so he helps out when I’m having technical issues too.

Another group of people that have been so supportive are my friends and family. In the beginning, they were the bulk of my online customers and I’ll forever be grateful for their part in helping grow my business.

Website: www.avajeanaccessories.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/avajeanaccessories

Instagram: @avajeanaccessories

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